Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 10 April 1985)

In April 1985, a series of letters regarding Fran Wilde's bill, which sought to address issues surrounding homosexuality, sparked considerable debate. The bill has been interpreted by some, including L.J. Cooper, as allowing children aged 12 to 16 to engage in sodomy without it being considered a crime, calling into question the bill’s true intentions. Cooper expressed concern about the bill’s implications, suggesting it undermined societal values and would lead to an increase in homosexual situations in daily life, drawing a comparison to the culture in San Francisco. He claimed to have a petition opposing the bill, signed by 200 individuals, reflecting widespread disapproval. I. M. Cookson joined the discussion, thanking Rev. Ian Cairns for clarifying the distinction between genuine homosexuals and “depraved heterosexuals” posing as homosexuals. Cookson articulated a common public fear regarding the safety and exploitation concerns tied to these individuals, suggesting that the bill lacks adequate protection for both homosexuals and heterosexuals from exploitation. In a separate letter, Paul Maling shared a personal experience from World War II involving two elderly Arab men who illustrated the importance of hospitality laws in their culture. He referenced scriptures from Leviticus, arguing that the biblical accounts often cited in discussions about homosexuality, including the stories from Genesis and Judges, were wrongly interpreted. Maling claimed that the real transgression in these stories was the breach of hospitality, rather than homosexual acts, pointing out that Dr. Cairns may have overlooked this aspect in his earlier statements. The letters collectively reveal a diverse range of opinions on the proposed legislation, highlighting fears around the implications for societal norms and the perceived threat posed by certain sexual behaviours. The debate also reflects broader societal attitudes towards homosexuality during the mid-1980s in New Zealand, with strong emotions and concerns regarding morality, protection, and the potential impact on families and communities.

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